Built environment interventions to address loneliness and mental health, whilst showing promise in terms of acceptability, have no evidence of effectiveness353. Moreover, recent concern has been raised that some aspects of school‐based mental health interventions could increase levels of distress amongst some young people352. On the other hand, rates of school enrollment vary dramatically between countries, and it cannot be excluded that school‐based programs inadvertently exacerbate mental health inequalities for those unable to access basic education. Finally, it should be noted that the overwhelming majority of studies in this area are from HICs, although available evidence suggests that schools are also a suitable setting to deliver mental health promotion interventions in LMICs322. The intervention included training teachers and school staff to be gatekeepers, delivering a mental health and suicide literacy program for students, and screening for high‐risk students.

Addressing Suicide in Marginalized Communities: Unique Challenges and Culturally Responsive Approaches

• Likewise, some authors have questioned whether eating disorders are likely to be underdiagnosed in biological males206, partly as a result of gendered social determinants including stigmatization, trauma and perceptions of masculinity.
• Curriculum and skill development are fundamental to student wellbeing, moving beyond academics to foster resilient, capable individuals.
• This general societal stigma can lead to shame, isolation, and a reluctance to seek help—factors that can worsen symptoms and delay care.
• For instance, MHFA is an early intervention training program to raise awareness of mental issues, mitigate stigma, and promote appropriate treatment seeking.
• But several cultural and structural barriers prevent Asian Americans/Pacific Islanders from accessing mental health services.
• This has resulted in a disproportionate burden of some mental health problems, in particular psychotic disorders.

Mental health care is not a one-size-fits-all solution. What they need isn’t fixing—they need support, understanding, and equal access to care. Yet, many immigrants don’t seek mental health support because of fear, stigma, or legal concerns.

Mental Health Disparities in Marginalized Communities

Mental health providers can use their expertise and influence to address the root causes of marginalization and work towards creating a more equitable society. By creating a space where individuals can share their challenges and aspirations, providers can foster a sense of belonging Latino behavioral health challenges conference and empowerment.5. Mental health providers should encourage open dialogue, actively listen to participants’ experiences, and validate their emotions. This can be achieved by incorporating diverse and inclusive decorations, ensuring accessible seating, and actively promoting a culture of respect and acceptance.4. Mental health providers should aim to create spaces that are welcoming, comfortable, and free from judgment. This will enable them to provide personalized and respectful care that aligns with the unique needs of each individual.3.

Historically marginalized communities across America face unique mental health challenges, and we’re working to provide valuable resources to help. There is a gap in our understanding of the disparate impact of COVID on the mental health of marginalized communities, as well as a dearth of evidence regarding creative and impactful solutions to address their specific needs.The chronic lack of investment in global mental health has left us with an inadequate evidence base around which to marshal an effective response. Healthcare providers, and public agencies that help people secure healthcare services, have a responsibility to the communities they are supposed to serve. Mental health courts are helping reduce the numbers of people from marginalized communities who are entering the prison system with serious mental health issues.

Socioeconomic, cultural, and systemic factors significantly influence mental health within marginalized populations. By analyzing patient data, healthcare providers can tailor interventions to meet specific individual needs, ultimately leading to better health outcomes and lowered overall healthcare costs. Research has identified disparities between women and men in regard to risk, prevalence, presentation, course, and treatment of mental disorders. Nearly one-third of Muslim Americans perceived discrimination in healthcare settings; being excluded or ignored was the most frequently conveyed type of discrimination. LGBTQ individuals are more than twice as likely as heterosexual men and women to have a mental health disorder in their lifetime. ~ Supporting accountability measures to monitor equity within healthcare systems

Although such programs are often delivered universally, effect sizes for depression were larger for trials that targeted higher‐risk student populations (i.e., selective and indicated approaches)343, 344. The Good Behaviour Game, for example, was developed in 1969, and is a team‐based activity designed to reward children for pro‐social behaviour and discourage disruptive behaviour340. Another set of related early‐life interventions – home visits during pregnancy – have been deployed as more selective prevention strategies, reviewed later. There is further systematic review evidence that two of the most common parenting interventions – the Triple P program330 and the Incredible Years program331 – reduce disruptive behaviour in this age group. We also briefly review important secondary and tertiary prevention strategies that aim to promote recovery in those with established conditions. Importantly, different levels of prevention may be additive, such that an individual may at once be the target of multiple levels of prevention strategies.